MECHANICS OF SHORT-FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES: A REVIEW.

Abstract

In this review, the mechanical properties of short-fiber-reinforced composites and the factors that influence them are examined. Emphasis is placed on reinforced elastomer applications. Constitutive equations describing the stress-strain relations are introduced, and the stress distribution in a reinforcing fiber is discussed, along with its implications for the overall reinforcement. Micromechanics approaches allow elastic, viscoelastic, and strength properties of the composites to be predicted, given the properties of the constituents. While sometimes lacking accuracy, these methods offer great insight into the mechanism of reinforcement. Similar approaches are presented for cord-rubber and particle-filled composites for comparison.